Celebrate breast cancer awareness month

• About 192,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are this year expected to be diagnosed among women in the U.S.

• Some 40,000 women will die this year from the disease.

• Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

There’s no doubt it’s a dangerous and deadly disease.

In many communities, including ours, making strides to try to find a cure or to eradicate breast cancer has become top priority.

We support this effort and will do what we can to help spread the word and to be actively involved in the breast cancer awareness campaign.

There are so many worthy causes to join, but breast cancer is one that resonates with so many.

Pink is the adopted color for breast cancer awareness. Wear it often and wear it proudly.

There are steps that can be taken to help detect breast cancer.

Women need to practice some basic steps to help ensure good breast health. These are suggestions:

• Regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40.

• Annual clinical breast exams.

• Monthly breast-self exams.

• Getting a risk assessment from a physician.

Others can help women by reminding them why it’s important to follow these guidelines.

Women are understandably worried about developing breast cancer, and most of us know someone who has been diagnosed. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in one or both breasts. It usually develops in the ducts or lobules, also known as the milk-producing areas of the breast.

The disease is about 100 times more common among women, but some men do contract it. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among men in the United States in 2010.

October is National Breast Cancer awareness month. It is a time turn our attention on the disease and mobilize efforts to fight it.

The first observance took place in October 1985 as a week-long event. Today, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization includes several national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working in partnership to build awareness, share information and provide access to screening services.

We thank all the groups and businesses that hold events during this special month to celebrate awareness. And women must do their part to protect themselves.